Rfid-enabled watch band

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are various embodiments of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) watch band. At least one embodiment can include strap body; a connector attached to an end of the strap body; and an RFID chip embedded into the strap body. In at least some embodiments, a plurality of RFID chips can be embedded into the strap body. In some embodiments, the RFID chips can be encased within a rigid casing, which is embedded within the strap body. In some embodiments, the spacing between each of the plurality of RFID chips can be important for the RFID reader to capture the correct frequency.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 63/301,734 filed on Jan. 21, 2022, entitled“RFID-ENABLED WATCH BAND,” the contents of which are incorporated byreference in their entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology revolutionized howhumans interact with the world. Most notably, RFID has replaced the needfor carrying keys, swiping at a point-of-sale terminal, and carryingcontact information (identification cards/passports).

With the rise in popularity of smart watches, detachable watch bandshave also risen in popularity. Detachable watch bands are often anaccessory to personalize the look of their watch or smart watch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed uponclearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view for the first side of an RFID-enabledwatch band according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view for the second side of anRFID-enabled watch band according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1C depicts a first side view of an RFID-enabled watch bandaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1D depicts a second side view of an RFID-enabled watch bandaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1E depicts a medial right view of an RFID-enabled watch band,wherein the left side is the first side of the RFID-enabled watch band,according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1F depicts a medial left view of an RFID-enabled watch band,wherein the right side is the first side of the RFID-enabled watch band,according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1G depicts a lateral top view of an RFID-enabled watch band,wherein the top is the first side of the RFID-enabled watch band,according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1H depicts a lateral bottom view of an RFID-enabled watch band,wherein the top is the second side of the RFID-enabled watch band,according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1I depicts a cross sectional view of an RFID-enabled watch bandaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1J depicts a second cross sectional view of an RFID-enabled watchband according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1K depicts a third cross sectional view of an RFID-enabled watchband according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A depicts an exploded view of an RFID chip for the RFID-enabledwatch band according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B depicts a perspective view of the first side of an RFID chip forthe RFID-enabled watch band according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2C depicts a medial view of an RFID chip for the RFID-enabled watchband according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2D depicts a side view of an RFID chip for the RFID-enabled watchband according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed are various embodiments for RFID-enabled watch bands.Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that useselectromagnetic fields to identify information about an attached item orgood. Because of its broad uses in various technologies, RFID technologyhas changed how humans interact with various items in the real world.For example, RFID has replaced the need for carrying keys, swiping acard at a point-of-sale terminal, and sharing personal identificationinformation manually. People often carry RFID cards or RFID chips (e.g.,credit cards, entrance cards, identification cards, etc.) in wallets andpurses. However, carrying multiple RFID cards in wallets and purses cancause various problems. Problems can include wasting valuable timesearching for an RFID card and identifying which RFID card correspondsto a particular usage.

Watch bands are wearable accessories that can be used to attach a watchto a human body, typically on a wrist. Watch bands can come in variouslengths, colors, and materials as an accessory for their outfits. Due tothe popularity of smart watches, detachable watch bands have also becomemore popular. Detachable watch bands typically utilize a connector thatcan be detachably detached from a watch or a smart watch so that thedetachable watch band can be changed like any other accessory ofclothing.

The present disclosure relates to an RFID-enabled watch band. AnRFID-enabled watch band permits its wearer to have a specified RFID chipavailable without having to fumble through various cards in purses orwallets, which can save time for the wearer. Additionally, the wearercan easily access the RFID chips even if they are using their hands forother tasks, such as carrying groceries, talking on the phone, or othervarious tasks that utilize a wearer's hands.

With reference to FIG. 1A, shown is a perspective view for the firstside of an RFID-enabled watch band 100. The RFID-enabled watch band 100can include a band 103, watch connectors 106 a and 106 b (also referredto collectively as “the watch connectors 106” and generically as “awatch connector 106”), and RFID chips 109 a-c (also referred tocollectively as “the RFID chips 109” and generically as “an RFID chip109”). The band 103 can be attached to the watch connectors 106 invarious ways (e.g., glued, welded, attached with pin and hole connectorsor screws, molded, etc.). The RFID chips 109 a-c can be embedded orinset within the band 103.

The band 103 can be an elongated strap of a sufficient length to wraparound the wrist of a human. The band 103 can have various lengths,widths, and thicknesses. In many embodiments, the band 103 can be longerthan it is wide. In many embodiments, the band 103 can be thinner thanit is wide. In at least some embodiments, the band 103 can be flexible,elastic, or pliable. In other embodiments, the band 103 can be rigid,stiff, or inflexible. The band 103 can be made of various materials,such as animal leather; faux leather; rubber (e.g., silicone rubber,polyurethane rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) rubber, Nitrile ButadieneRubber, etc.); plastics; fabric (e.g., nylon, canvas, silk, etc.);metal; other synthetic material (e.g., Kevlar, carbon fiber, etc.); orany combination thereof.

The band 103 can include various portions of the band 103 that havevarious characteristics, such as ends 112 a and 112 b (also referred tocollectively as “the ends 112” and generically as “an end 112”), anindent 115, and raised encasings 118 a-c (also referred to collectivelyas “the raised encasings 118” and generically as “a raised encasing118”). Various embodiments may include or exclude each of these variouscharacteristics of the band 103.

Various embodiments of the band 103 can include the ends 112. As shownin FIG. 1A, the band 103 can have a first end 112 a and a second end 112b. Even though FIG. 1A depicts two ends 112, various embodiments of theband 103 can have zero or more ends 112. The ends 112 can be found onthe first side of the band 103. In many embodiments, the band 103 canhave its greatest thickness at the ends 112 to ensure the band 103 cansecurely attach to the watch connectors 106. As such, the ends 112 canbe more rigid, stiff, inelastic, or inflexible than other portions ofthe band 103. In other embodiments, the band 103 can have the same orlesser thickness at the ends 112 as compared to the rest of the band 103to allow the ends 112 to bend freely.

Some embodiments of the band 103 can include an indent 115. In some ofthese embodiments, the indent 115 can be found throughout a substantialportion of the first side of the band 103 stretching from the first end112 a to the second end 112 b. In many embodiments, the band 103 canhave a lesser thickness in the indent 115 as compared to the rest of theband 103. The lesser thickness of the indent 115 can allow the band 103to become more flexible. In some embodiments, the indent 115 canprotrude into the ends 112 in an arch shape. This arch shape can allowthe ends 112 to maintain a certain level of rigidity, while furtherexpanding the flexibility within the indent 115. The edges between theindent 115 and the band 103 can be beveled, rounded, or sloped to ensurea comfortable fit for the wearer.

Some embodiments of the band 103 can include raised encasings 118. Asshown in FIG. 1A, there can be a first raised encasing 118 a, a secondraised encasing 118 b, and a third raised encasing 118 c. Even thoughFIG. 1A depicts three raised encasings 118, various embodiments of theband 103 can have as many raised encasings 118 as there are RFID chips109 (e.g., RFID chips 109 a, 109 b, and 109 c), or none at all. Theraised encasings 118 can surround the RFID chips 109 on the first sideof the band 103. In some embodiments, the raised encasings 118 surroundonly the sides of the RFID chips 109, while leaving a face of the RFIDchips 109 exposed. In other embodiments, the raised encasings 118completely cover the faces and sides of the RFID chips 109, so that theRFID chips 109 are not exposed. The raised encasings 118 can providepadding to help protect the RFID chips 109 from being damaged fromregular wear by a wearer. In some embodiments, the raised encasings 118can be raised from the indent 115. In such embodiments, the raisedencasings 118 can better secure the RFID chips 109 within the watch banddue to the increased surface area of the band 103 touching the RFIDchips 109.

The band 103 can be attached to the watch connectors 106. As shown inFIG. 1A, there can be two watch connectors 106, a first watch connector106 a and a second watch connector 106 b. Even though FIG. 1A depictstwo watch connectors 106, various embodiments of the RFID-enabled watchband 100 can have one or more watch connectors 106. The watch connectors106 can be used to connect the RFID-enabled watch band 100 to a watch orsmart watch. In some embodiments, the watch connectors 106 can be Apple®Watch connectors that are configured to fit within a specified versionof an Apple® Watch. In other embodiments, the watch connectors 106 canbe Samsung® Galaxy® Watch connectors that are configured to fit within aspecified version of a Samsung® Galaxy® Watch. In yet anotherembodiment, the watch connectors 106 can be a watch band link using thatis configured to use cotter pins to attach to a watch or smart watch.

The watch connectors 106 can include one or more locking elements 121a-l (also referred to collectively as “the locking elements 121” andgenerically as “a locking element 121”), as collectively shown in FIGS.1A, 1B, 1G, and 1H. It should be understood that various embodiments ofthe watch connectors 106 can have one or more locking elements 121, ornone at all. The locking elements 121 can allow the connector to make asecure attachment to a watch or a smart watch. In some embodiments, thelocking elements 121 can be depressible, raised bodies that correspondsto holes within a watch or a smart watch. In other embodiments, thelocking elements 121 can be clasps that attach to a watch or a smartwatch. In yet another embodiment, the locking elements 121 can be one ormore cotter pins that attach to cotter pin holes in a watch or a smartwatch.

The RFID-enabled watch band 100 can include RFID chips 109. As shown inFIG. 1A, the RFID-enabled watch band 100 can have a first RFID chip 109a, a second RFID chip 109 b, and a third RFID chip 109 c. Even thoughFIG. 1A depicts three RFID chips 109, various embodiments of theRFID-enabled watch band 100 can have one or more RFID chips 109. Eventhough FIG. 1A depicts the RFID chips 109 as cylindrical bodies, itshould be understood that the RFID chips 109 can be any shape (e.g.,cube, cone, sphere, torus, pyramid, tetrahedron, three-dimensionalprism, etc.) or size.

The RFID chips 109 can be embedded or inset within the band 103 invarious ways (e.g., glued, welded, attached with pin and hole connectorsor screws, molded, etc.). In embodiments where the RFID chips 109 areembedded in the band 103, the band 103 can fully encase the RFID chips109 within the band 103. In such embodiments, the material of the band103 can protect the RFID chips 109 from liquid, wind, or fire damage. Inembodiments where the RFID chips 109 are inset within the band 103, theRFID chips 109 can be partially exposed.

Additionally, the location of the one or more RFID chips 109 on the band103 can impact how the comfortably the watch can be worn. In someembodiments, the RFID chips 109 can be rigid. When rigid RFID chips 109are embedded or inset in the band 103, the band cannot bend or flex insuch a manner to be worn on a human wrist. To solve these problems,spacing can be added between at least two of the RFID chips 109. In atleast some embodiments, there is at least a quarter inch space betweenat least two of the RFID chips 109. In some embodiments, there is atleast one millimeter space between at least two of the RFID chips 109.

In at least some embodiments, the RFID chips 109 can be removable and/orreplaceable from the band 103. In embodiments where the RFID chips 109are removeable and/or replaceable from the band 103, the wearer caneasily interchange their RFID chips 109 with other RFID chips 109. Forexample, during the work week, a wearer could want to have the firstRFID chip 109 a configured to provide access to the wearer's workbuilding. However, on the weekend, the wearer could want to replace thefirst RFID chip 109 a with a different RFID chip 109 that permits accessto a gym. As such, the wearer can remove the first RFID chip 109 a fromthe band 103 and replace it with the RFID chip 109 that permits accessto the gym.

FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view for the second side of anRFID-enabled watch band 100. FIG. 1B depicts the RFID-enabled watch band100 including the band 103 and the watch connectors 106, as previouslydescribed. In some embodiments, the watch connectors 106 can havelocking elements 121, such as locking elements 121 g-l as shown in FIG.1B. Locking elements 121 g-l can be otherwise identical to the lockingelements 121 a-f, as previously described, but placed on the second sideof the watch connectors 106.

FIG. 1C depicts a first side view of an RFID-enabled watch bandaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The band103, the ends 112, the indent 115, the raised encasings 118, theconnectors 106, the locking elements 121, and the RFID chips 109 are allpreviously described in the discussion for FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D depicts a second side view of an RFID-enabled watch bandaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The band103, the connectors 106, and the locking elements 121 are all previouslydescribed in the discussions for FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 1E depicts a medial right view of an RFID-enabled watch band,wherein the left side is the first side of the RFID-enabled watch band,according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The band 103and the connectors 106 are all previously described in the discussionfor FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F depicts a medial left view of an RFID-enabled watch band,wherein the right side is the first side of the RFID-enabled watch band,according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The band 103and the connectors 106 are all previously described in the discussionfor FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1G depicts a lateral top view of an RFID-enabled watch band,wherein the top is the first side of the RFID-enabled watch band,according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Theconnector 106 and the locking elements 121 are all previously describedin the discussions for FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 1H depicts a lateral bottom view of an RFID-enabled watch band,wherein the top is the second side of the RFID-enabled watch band,according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Theconnector 106 and the locking elements 121 are all previously describedin the discussions for FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 1I depicts a cross sectional view of an at least one embodiment ofthe RFID-enabled watch band 100 intersecting the band 103 and an RFIDchip 109. In such an embodiment, the RFID chip 109 can be embedded inthe band 103. The band 103 can completely encase, envelope, or cover theRFID chip 109, as previously discussed in the discussion of FIG. 1A. Insome embodiments, the band 103 can have an indent 115 and a raisedencasing 118, as previously discussed in the discussion of FIG. 1A. Insuch an embodiment, the raised encasing 118 can cover the RFID chip 109.

FIG. 1J depicts a cross sectional view of at least another embodiment ofthe RFID-enabled watch band 100 intersecting the band 103 and an RFIDchip 109. In such an embodiment, the RFID chip 109 can be inset in theband 103 and can be at least partially exposed, as previously discussedin the discussion of FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the band 103 can havean indent 115 and a raised encasing 118, as previously discussed in thediscussion of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1K depicts a cross sectional view of at least one embodiment of anRFID-enabled watch band 100 in the space between at least two RFID chips109. In such embodiments, the band 103 can have an indent 115, aspreviously discussed in the discussion of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A depicts an exploded view of an RFID chip 109. In someembodiments, an RFID chip 109 can include a casing 203 (also called asubstrate) and a transmitter 206. The casing 203 can be made of multipleparts, such as a front casing 203 a and back casing 203 b, as shown inFIG. 2A. The combination of the front casing 203 a and the back casing203 b can collectively be called the casing 203. In some embodiments,there can only be a singular body that can be called the casing 203which surrounds the transmitter 206. In some embodiments, there is nocasing 203 at all. The casing 203 can protect the transmitter 206 frombeing damaged (e.g., impact damage, fire damage, water damage, winddamage, wear and tear, etc.). In some embodiments, the casing 203 can bemade of a rigid material to better protect the transmitter 206. In otherembodiments, the casing 203 can be made of materials that are flexible,semi-flexible, or elastic to provide comfort to the wearer.

In some embodiments, the transmitter 206 can include an integrated chip209 and an antenna 212. The integrated chip 209 can be used to storeinformation to be reflected or transmitted to an RFID reader. Theantenna 212 can be used to amplify the radio frequency of theinformation stored on the integrated chip 209 to be reflected ortransmitted to an RFID reader. Additionally, an RFID writer can send asignal to the transmitter 206 to store information on the integratedchip 209. If an RFID reader is moved near the transmitter 206, theantenna 212 can reflect or transmit the stored information from theintegrated chip 209 to the RFID reader. In some embodiments, an RFIDwriter can re-send a signal to the transmitter 206 to overwrite theinformation on the integrated chip 209. In such embodiments, embeddedRFID chips 109 or non-replaceable inset RFID chips 109 can modify theirsignal that is produced by the transmitter 206.

In some embodiments, an RFID chip 109 can also include a power source.For example, power sources can include a battery or a power connectionto a watch or smart watch. Some RFID tags that include a power sourcecan transmit information by the transmitter 206 without requiring anRFID reader to be nearby. When an RFID chip 109 of the RFID chips 109includes a power source and the RFID chip 109 can transmit informationwithout a nearby RFID reader, then the RFID chip 109 is considered anactive RFID tag. Active RFID tags have various uses. One such use ofactive RFID tags is geolocation. In some embodiments, at least one ofthe RFID chips 109 is an active RFID tag that is capable of transmittinga signal to determine the geolocation of the RFID-enabled watch band100.

When an RFID chip 109 does not include a battery power source or if itdoes not transmit information without intervention from an RFID reader,then the RFID chip 109 is a passive RFID tag. Passive RFID tags havevarious uses. One such use of passive RFID tags is access control (e.g.,door keys, car keys, computer access cards, etc.). A passive RFID tagcan be moved near an RFID reader and the RFID reader's systems willdetermine whether the information reflected from the passive RFID taghas permission to access something. In at least some embodiments, atleast one of the RFID chips 109 is a passive RFID tag and it is used foraccess control. Another use for passive RFID tags is identification ofpersonal information (e.g., work identification cards, passport,licenses, digital business card, vaccine passport, etc.). Passive RFIDtags can be used to reflect information to a RFID reader to verify aperson's identity or personal information. In at least some embodiments,at least one of the RFID chips 109 is a passive RFID tag and it is usedfor identification of personal information.

The RFID chips 109 can transmit or reflect information at various radiofrequencies. Passive RFID tags typically reflect frequencies in threeranges: low frequencies, high frequencies, and ultra-high frequencies.Low frequency RFID chips can reflect frequencies between 30 KHz and 300KHZ. Typically, low frequency RFID chips have a frequency of 125 HZ or134.2 KHz (often abbreviated to 134 KHz). High frequency RFID chips canreflect frequencies between 3 MHz and 30 MHz. Typically, high frequencyRFID chips can be near-field communication (NFC) chips, which have afrequency of 13.56 MHz. Ultra-high frequency RFID chips can reflectfrequencies between 300 MHz to 1000 MHz. Active RFID tags can transmitat various frequencies, but many active RFID tags transmit at 433 MHz,2.45 GHz, or 5.6 GHz.

Each of the RFID chips 109 in the RFID-enabled watch band 100 can be apassive RFID tags (low frequency, high frequency, or ultra-highfrequency) or active RFID tags. Each RFID chip 109 can be different fromthe other RFID chips 109 in the RFID-enabled watch band 100. In at leastone embodiment, all the RFID chips 109 of the RFID-enabled watch band100 can be active RFID tags. In at least one embodiment, one or more ofthe RFID chips 109 of the RFID-enabled watch band 100 can be an activeRFID tag and one or more of the RFID chips 109 of the RFID-enabled watchband 100 can be passive RFID tags. In at least one embodiment, all theRFID chips 109 of the RFID-enabled watch band 100 can be low frequencyRFID chips. In at least one embodiment, all the RFID chips 109 of theRFID-enabled watch band 100 can be high frequency RFID chips. In atleast one embodiment, all the RFID chips 109 of the RFID-enabled watchband 100 can be ultra-high frequency RFID chips. In at least oneembodiment, one or more of the RFID chips 109 of the RFID-enabled watchband 100 can be low frequency chips and one or more of the RFID chips109 of the RFID-enabled watch band 100 can be high frequency chips. Inat least one embodiment, one or more of the RFID chips 109 of theRFID-enabled watch band 100 can be low frequency chips and one or moreof the RFID chips 109 of the RFID-enabled watch band 100 can beultra-high frequency chips. In at least one embodiment, one or more ofthe RFID chips 109 of the RFID-enabled watch band 100 can be highfrequency chips and one or more of the RFID chips 109 of theRFID-enabled watch band 100 can be ultra-high frequency chips. In atleast one embodiment, one or more of the RFID chips 109 of theRFID-enabled watch band 100 can be low frequency chips, one or more ofthe RFID chips 109 of the RFID-enabled watch band 100 can be highfrequency chips, and one or more of the RFID chips 109 of theRFID-enabled watch band 100 can be ultra-high frequency chips.

In some embodiments, an RFID chip 109 can be a multi-frequency chip(also called a “multi-frequency RFID chip 109”). Multi-frequency RFIDchips can store and transmit information on two or more frequencies. Insome embodiments, an RFID chip that is a multi-frequency chip can storeand transmit information over both a low frequency and a high frequency.A multi-frequency RFID chip 109 can store different information for eachrespective frequency supported by the multi-frequency RFID chip 109. Forexample, a wearer can store building access information for a lowfrequency and store credit card information for a high frequency on amulti-frequency RFID chip 109. Multi-frequency RFID chips 109 can bemore convenient for wearers because more information can be stored on asingle RFID chip 109, thus limiting the required number of RFID chips109 in a RFID-enabled watch band 100.

In some embodiments, the location of one or more RFID chips 109 on theband 103 can impact the overall usage of the RFID-enabled watch band100. For instance, many mobile devices (e.g., phones, tablets, smartwatches, etc.) are capable of reading NFC chips when the mobile devicecollides with the NFC chip. Collision creates problems for walking in acrowded area or bumping into someone in a crowded room. A person wearingthe RFID-enabled watch band 100 can accidentally collide into anotherperson's phone (capable of acting as a RFID reader) accidentally withoutrealizing. To solve this problem, the second RFID chip 109 b can be anNFC can be inset or embedded in the band 103 between the first RFID chip109 a and the third RFID chip 109 c. By placing the second RFID chip 109b between the first RFID chip 109 a and the third RFID chip 109 c, thesecond RFID chip 109 b is more likely to be worn near the anterior sideof the wearer's wrist (as opposed to the watch face being worn on theposterior side of the wearer's wrist). The anterior side of the wearer'swrist is less likely collide with mobile devices and thereforetransmission or reflection of data to a mobile device would have to bemade intentionally. In at least one embodiment, the first RFID chip 109a can be inset or embedded in the band 103 near the first end 112 a ofthe band 103 and the first RFID chip 109 a can be any RFID chip 109except an NFC chip; the third RFID chip 109 c can be inset or embeddedin the band 103 near the second end 112 b of the band 103 and the thirdRFID chip 109 c can be any RFID chip 109 except an NFC chip; and thesecond RFID chip 109 b can be inset or embedded on the band 103 betweenthe first RFID chip 109 a and the second RFID chip 109 b and the secondRFID chip 109 b can be an NFC chip.

Additionally, the location of one or more RFID chips 109 a-c on the band103 can interfere with the functionality of a smart watch. Some smartwatches have the ability to transmit RFID information to RFID readers.For instance, the Apple® Watch can transmit an RFID signal to performApple® pay functionality. In such instances, the smart watch is movednear an RFID reader and the smart watch transmits or reflects theinformation to the RFID reader. RFID chips 109 that are too close to asmart watch that is transmitting information can cause difficulty for anRFID reader to determine which signal to read. In some embodiments, theRFID chips 109 are embedded or inset in the band 103 at least a quarterof an inch from the watch connectors 106.

Additionally, the location of the RFID chips 109 on the band 103 canimpact the ability of a RFID writer to successfully to send a signal toonly one of the RFID chips 109 on the RFID-enabled watch band 100 soinformation can be stored. It can be difficult to put two of the same orsimilar frequency RFID chips 109 in a close proximity to each other. TheRFID chips 109 can be physically spaced a specified distance from eachother, separating the RFID chips 109 that share the same or similarfrequency. The exact amount of space varies based on specificfrequencies (e.g., low, high, ultra-high, etc.) and the shape and sizeof the RFID chips 109.

FIG. 2B depicts a perspective view of an RFID chip 109 for theRFID-enabled watch band 100 according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The RFID chip 109 of FIG. 2B is fully described inthe discussion of the RFID chip 109 of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C depicts a side view of an RFID chip 109 for the RFID-enabledwatch band 100 according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The RFID chip 109 of FIG. 2C is fully described in thediscussion of the RFID chip 109 of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D depicts a front view and/or a back view of an RFID chip 109 forthe RFID-enabled watch band 100 according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The RFID chip 109 of FIG. 2C is fully described inthe discussion of the RFID chip 109 of FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 3-12 are example images of a prototype of an RFID-enabled watchband 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 3 depicts a prototype of an RFID-enabled watch band 100 as worn ona wrist with a first side of the band 103 facing outward. FIG. 4 depictsanother view of a prototype of an RFID-enabled watch band 100 as worn ona wrist with a first side of the band 103 facing outward. FIG. 5 depictsa prototype of an RFID-enabled watch band 100 as worn on a wrist with asecond side of the band 103 facing outward. FIG. 5 also depicts theRFID-enabled watch band 100 as it is attached to a smart watch, such asan Apple Watch®. FIG. 7 depicts a prototype of an RFID-enabled watchband 100. FIG. 8 depicts a prototype of an RFID-enabled watch band 100with focus on a watch connector 106. FIG. 9 depicts a prototype of anRFID-enabled watch band 100 with focus on the band 103. FIG. 10 depictsa prototype of an RFID-enabled watch band 100 being pulled from the ends112. FIG. 1I depicts a prototype of an RFID-enabled watch band 100 beingfolded. FIG. 12 depicts a prototype of an RFID-enabled watch band 100being connected to a smart watch by the watch connectors 106.

FIG. 2D depicts a medial right view of an RFID chip 109 for theRFID-enabled watch band 100 according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The RFID chip 109 of FIG. 2D is fully described inthe discussion of the RFID chip 109 of FIG. 2A

Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,”unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with thecontext as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., can beeither X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X; Y; Z; X and/orY; X and/or Z; Y and/or Z; X, Y and/or Z; etc.). Thus, such disjunctivelanguage is not generally intended to, and should not, imply thatcertain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or atleast one of Z to each be present.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations setforth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure.Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-describedembodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit andprinciples of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations areintended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure andprotected by the following claims.

Therefore, the following is claimed:
 1. A band for a watch, comprising:an elongated body having a first end and a second end; a first connectorattached at the first end of the elongated body, the first connectorbeing attachable to a first portion of the watch; a second connectorattached at the second end of the elongated body, the second connectorbeing attachable to a second portion of the watch; a first casingembedded within the elongated body, the first casing encapsulating afirst programmable radio frequency identifier (RFID) chip, the firstRFID chip being capable of being programmed to a first radio frequencyrange; and a second casing embedded within the elongated body, thesecond casing encapsulating a second programmable RFID chip, the secondRFID chip being capable of being programmed to a second radio frequencyrange, wherein the first radio frequency range and the second radiofrequency ranges do not overlap.
 2. The band of claim 1, furthercomprising: a third casing embedded within the elongated body, the thirdcasing encapsulating a third programmable RFID chip, the thirdprogrammable RFID chip being capable of being programmed to the firstradio frequency range; and wherein the first casing is embedded withinthe elongated body nearest to the first end of the elongated body, thethird casing is embedded within the elongated body nearest to the secondend of the elongated body, and the second casing is embedded within theelongated body between the first casing and the third casing.
 3. Anapparatus comprising: a strap body; a connector attached to an end ofthe strap body; and a radio frequency identifier (RFID) chip embeddedinto the strap body.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the RFID chipis embedded into the strap body at least a quarter inch from theconnector.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the RFID chip is a firstRFID chip and wherein the apparatus further comprises a second RFID chipembedded into the strap body.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein thesecond RFID chip is embedded into the strap body at least half an inchfrom the first RFID chip and the second RFID chip is embedded at leastthree-quarters of one inch from the connector.
 7. The apparatus of claim5, wherein the connector is a first connector, the end of the strap bodyis a first end of the strap body, and wherein the apparatus furthercomprises: a third RFID chip embedded into the strap body; and a secondconnector attached to a second end of the strap body.
 8. The apparatusof claim 7, wherein the first RFID chip is embedded into the strap bodyat least a quarter of an inch from the first connector, the third RFIDchip is embedded at least one quarter of one inch from the secondconnector within the strap body, and the second RFID chip is embeddedinto the strap body between the first RFID chip and the third RFID chip.9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second RFID chip is anear-field communication (NFC) chip.
 10. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein the strap body comprises a depressed portion, a first raisedportion, and a second raised portion and wherein the first RFID chip isembedded within the first raised portion of the strap body and whereinthe second RFID chip is embedded within the second raised portion of thestrap body.
 11. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the RFID chip is a lowfrequency RFID chip.
 12. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the strapbody is made of a flexible material.
 13. The apparatus of claim 3,wherein the RFID chip comprise a rigid casing and a transmitter.
 14. Aradio frequency identifier (RFID) enabled watch band, comprising: a bandcomprising a first end and a second end; one or more RFID chips insetwithin the band; a first watch connector attached at the first end ofthe band; and a second watch connector attached at the second end of theband.
 15. The RFID enabled watch band of claim 14, wherein the one ormore RFID chips are equidistantly inset within the band.
 16. The RFIDenabled watch band of claim 14, wherein the first watch connector can bedetachably attached to a watch.
 17. The RFID enabled watch band of claim14, wherein the band is made of a flexible material.
 18. The RFIDenabled watch band of claim 14, wherein at least one of the one or moreRFID chips is a near-field communication (NFC) chip.
 19. The RFIDenabled watch band of claim 14, wherein at least one of the one or moreRFID chips is a low frequency RFID chip.
 20. The RFID enabled watch bandof claim 14, wherein at least one of the one or more RFID chips comprisea rigid casing and a transmitter.